Everyone was now preparing for our big offensive. We studied area maps and worked tactics in the sand box and discussed how we were going to proceed with the war. [1]

Everyone cleaned and oiled their weapons and made certain they operated.

Sergeants made certain everyone had hand grenades.

This was going to be a do or die operation.

The air was filled with much anxious tension and fear. We were anxious to get going and get the thing over with and yet fearful of what might happen.

The men in anti-tank unit cleaned and bore sighted the 37mm guns. We also took time to take showers and get clean clothes so that we felt like human beings again.

We ate from the kitchen and had time to write letters home.

For some it would be their last, but these thoughts were driven from our minds, after all, it was going to be the other guy and not you. [1]

[1] Staff Sergeant Charles O. Beardslee. Dogface Soldiers Memoirs. The http://goo.gl/iKgZky

In case you haven’t read or listened to Dad’s book, you can learn more or order it here.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2024.